July-September 2015 - Tucson Jewish Community Center
Transcription
July-September 2015 - Tucson Jewish Community Center
Center View Volume 21 | Number 3 Tamuz-Elul 5775 ISRAEL TRIP OFFER EXPANDS ON ‘PEOPLE TO PEOPLE’ CONNECTIONS Craig S. Baker, Excerpts from the story in the Arizona Jewish Post The Weintraub Israel Center has embraced the mission of creating a “living bridge” between Southern Arizona and Israel since it was founded in 1997. At the forefront of this mission are the Israeli shlichim -- Hebrew for “messengers” or “emissaries” -- who serve as directors of the WIC during their tenure in Tucson. Oshrat Barel, the current shlicha (the term for a female emissary; a male is a shaliach) and the first of what Maya Angelou called the “phenomenal” gender to hold the position here in Southern Arizona, is Oshrat Barel preparing to enter her third year as WIC director. Already, her work has strengthened the foundations of that bridge in unparalleled ways, says WIC co-chair Jeff Artzi, who has been a volunteer with the Israel Center, a joint program of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and the Tucson Jewish Community Center, from the beginning. The goal, says Barel, is to help people here understand how Israeli citizens live their lives firsthand, rather than having them grow up knowing only what they’ve read in the headlines. She knows her work is making a difference each time she sees a preschooler receive their first picture from their Israeli pen pal. Usually, she says, the children are surprised to see that kids in Israel “look just like (them).” The hope is that when the 297 students currently in the WIC program grow up, they will maintain their personal connections to Israel. “That way they won’t need me,” says Barel with a laugh, adding that “the idea is to make many, many, many shlichim—not just one shlicha.” To that end, the WIC and the Tucson J are partnering to offer a guided interfaith mission to Israel from Feb. 7-16, 2016 — the first such trip in the history of either organization. And, just like the WIC’s overarching mission, the trip will be geared toward helping anyone interested to establish a unique personal connection to Israel and Israelis. Says Artzi, “What we have found is that whenever someone takes a trip to Israel, regardless of their background … it’s inevitable that they come back connected to the country and its people in a very special way.” July-September 2015 Appropriately, the nine-day adventure offers many opportunities for travelers to link with locals face-to-face, whether it’s a cooking demonstration in Tucson’s Partnership2Gether city of Kiryat Malachi, a day at a film school in Jerusalem, or Shabbat dinner at the home of a host family in the ancient city. “Everyone will have the unique opportunity to share an Israeli Shabbat dinner with a stranger,” says Barel, “and I think that by the end of the dinner we won’t be strangers anymore.” Opportunity is not just another word for obligation on this Israel trip, as it seems to be with some curated journeys. Though there are plenty of chances for seasoned visitors to forge more intimate connections with the State of Israel on the itinerary, Tucson J vice president Denise Wolf, who’ll be staffing the trip with Barel, promises that first-timers to Israel will get to visit all of the traditional “mustsee” sights as well. “It’s really a trip for everyone,” says Wolf, adding that since Israel is constantly in a state of change, every trip is a novel experience. Steve Weintraub, who is co-chair of the WIC alongside Artzi, says the committee in charge of planning this trip was careful not to make it another tour that caters exclusively to a single demographic. “I found that most previously sponsored Tucson trips to Israel had a targeted participant,” says Weintraub. “(They) were designed by age, marital status, specific religious affiliation, organizational membership, a specific mission or goal objective, an economic class, etc. … Our trip is different — it’s designed to be all inclusive.” Weintraub, who will help lead the trip along with Barel, Wolf and Artzi, says the fact that organizers have nearly filled their first bus — including two reservations from professional travel agents — speaks to the quality and affordability of the excursion. The only question that remains is this — are you up for the adventure? For a complete itinerary of the Weintraub Israel Center Boarding Pass Israel Experience, including pricing and registration information, visit jfsa.org/get-involved/israel-experience, or contact Oshrat Barel at 647-8457 or [email protected]. Craig S. Baker is a freelance writer in Tucson. The Tucson J thanks the Arizona Jewish Post for allowing us to share excerpts of the article with our members. IN THIS ISSUE ISRAEL TRIP OFFER EXPANDS ON ‘PEOPLE TO PEOPLE’ CONNECTIONS......1 LETTER FROM THE CEO ............................ 2 TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: HARRIET MEADOR.................................. 3 ROSH HASHANAH-LIVE UPTM TESHUVAH.... 5 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JANA BORTNIKER.................................... 6 A LIFE DEDICATED TO ART....................... 6 WALKIE TALKIE ........................................... 7 TUCSON J EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCES ... 8 TRAIN FOR EL TOUR................................... 8 YOUTH FITNESS CENTER ORIENTATION..... 8 60 DAY BODY FAT CHALLENGE............... 8 USAT SPLASH & DASH .............................. 9 LEAP PROGRAM........................................ 10 UPCOMING ART GALLERY EVENTS..... 11 WELCOME AND SHALOM........................ 13 TRIBUTES..................................................... 14 The Tucson Jewish Community Center is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. The Tucson J is a member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. Center View is published four times annually by the Tucson J. Letter from the CEO The following are excerpts of Todd Rockoff’s speech from the Tucson J Annual Meeting on May 14: Good evening and thank you for being here at the annual meeting of The J. How did we just spend the last 525,600 minutes? First of all they seem to have gone by in the blink of an eye, it really seems as though it was only yesterday that we were gathered here for the 2014 annual meeting. Todd Rockoff President & CEO Please feel free to contact me at (520) 299–1904 or [email protected] As I mentioned last year, we were going to change the nature of engagement, and we committed to turn engagement into an active process. We were not going to wait for people to engage with us, we were going to get out and engage with people. So we did! We spent the year listening and more importantly hearing from you! We listened to our members, our community, our partners and anyone we could spend time with. During the past year and into the future we plan to demonstrate that we heard you. You will see programs and services at The J that reflect what we heard from you. Also, in the past year, we began and completed the construction of our NEW health and wellness area, including brand new locker rooms! The creation of physical space was only one piece of the puzzle, the rest of the puzzle involved reinventing our programs, continuing to strive for excellence in cutting edge programming and providing outstanding service! I am very proud of the new and renewed partnerships we are forging in the community. We recognize that we are in fact stronger together. There are two partners in particular that I would like to draw attention to. As partners they truly matched our mission: Tucson Medical Center (TMC) and the UA Presents/Anat Cohen concert in March. Both are highlights of our goal to expand our community partnerships. Our partnership with TMC has grown over the past year with the first Family Wellness Expo, Fitness classes at the TMC Core location at La Encantada, the first Family Tri and a special lecture series with Arizona Oncology. Another rewarding partnership was created with UA Presents with a concert performance by Jewish jazz clarinetist, Anat Cohen, in the Sculpture Garden. The J has a new brand that expresses a high standard — and presents The J as a flexible op- 2 July 2015 | Center View eration that meets each customer on his or her own terms. But most importantly, it presents The J — as a Jewish environment where our commitment to Jewish living transcends differences between us to create a positive atmosphere where anything can happen. It’s a place where we can all live up to our goals, live up to our dreams, and live up to our aspirations — small or large. Live Up is our Mantra. Over the past year we have built a strategic plan on three pillars: 1. Building Ongoing Revenue Streams: Camp, ECE, Health and Wellness, Growing membership, Development, Family Wellness Festival, Stars of Giving and Legacy 2. Creating Community and Jewish Community Connections 3. Energize Staff and Leadership Our staff is simply amazing! The energy and passion that they bring to their work and this community is unparalleled. In September the Tucson J was selected by JCC Association to be one of nine JCCs from throughout North America to pilot a new program called Talent Management. I would like to ask all of our staff to stand up and be recognized for the great work that you do! I truly appreciate you and value the talents that you bring to each day. As a part of the Talent Management program, each community identified two individuals to be a part of the LEAP program. Susan Frank, our Director of Health and Wellness and Julie Zorn, our Jewish Living and Learning Specialist will participate in the LEAP program for one year. Also, I want to share with you that in the past year Lynn Davis graduated as a JELI Fellow; Denise Wolf, Co-chaired the Assistant Directors Cohort at the Professionals Conference; Scott Zorn, was selected to attend a special camp director’s seminar in Israel and I chaired the JCC Executive Leadership Seminar. As they say, Tucson’s got talent! Read the full speech and watch videos of Mary Atkinson from TMC and Itzik Belcher from UA Presents at www.tucsonjcc.org/jcc-annual-report-archive. EMILY MALIN Welcome New Staff Special Needs Services Coordinator Emily was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Tucson a few of years ago. She has been working in the social services field for almost 8 years at various non-profits after studying Education and Non-profit Management at Arizona State University. Emily has always had a passion for helping others and volunteered at local organizations such as the Camp Swift Foundation. She loves to go camping and spent many summers at Camp Charles Pearlstein. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, and spending time with her family. She is thrilled to be a part of the Tucson J team! DANIE WOODWARD Special Needs Services Coordinator Danie grew up in Southern Maine with her family of six. She studied photography at Taylor University in Indiana and moved to Tucson in 2013 to serve as an AmeriCorps member. After serving at AmeriCorp as a Direct Care Provider and Teacher in an art-based day program for disabled adults and children, she came to the Jewish Community Center. She had heard great things about the Special Needs Services program and was very impressed with the organization. Prior to being promoted to the SNS Coordinator, Danie served as an advocate in the department. In her spare time Danie enjoys running, cooking, and DYI home projects. Danie looks forward to her new position and loves the Tucson J work environment. AMY DOWE Health & Wellness Coordinator Amy is originally from the Boston area, but has called Tucson her home since 2000. She graduated from UMASS Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has worked at The J since December 2009 as a Group Fitness Instructor. Her love and passion for wellness has grown since she started working here. In addition to teaching classes at The J, Amy has volunteered her time training several different youth fitness programs. Amy is excited to expand her career with The J in her new role as Health and Wellness Coordinator! You can still find her teaching several different fitness classes as well as Personal Training at the Fitness Center. JILL GUBANICH Member Relations Coordinator Originally from Beavercreek, Ohio, Jill graduated with a B.S. in Health from Ohio University. She moved to Tucson in 2008 with her daughter and they have been enjoying the sunny weather, mountains and endless outdoor activities. Jill enjoys hiking, kickboxing, yoga and spending lots of time with her daughter and their rescue dog, Lily. She enjoys her new job at The J. What attracts her about working here are the endless access to family activities, fitness programs and the friendly environment! TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM: HARRIET MEADOR Arts & Culture Coordinator Harriet Meador has been The J’s Arts & Culture Coordinator since November 2012. She attended Boston University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, and spent several additional years in the Boston area working in architectural history and preservation planning before coming to Tucson in 1991. interesting, talented lecturers, artists, and teachers, and arrange for them to share their talents and expertise with our members.” Harriet’s intellectual curiosity and passion for life-long learning clearly formed her programming. “I love what I do at the J,” she says. “I value the opportunity to meet and interact with so many Adult Clubs & Classes at the Tucson J are a terrific way to learn new things and meet new people. Thank you, Harriet, for building such a dynamic program! Her enthusiasm for her job is reflected in the new and exciting class offerings that she presents each season. This fall, keep an eye out for a field trip to the newly-renovated Jewish History Museum & Holocaust History Center; classes in modern Russian history, Spanish Cinema, and quilting; a Mt. Lemmon Birding tour; and a series of monthly Shabbat lunches with featured programming. July 2015 | Center View 3 Compassionate. Experienced. Complete ob/gyn Care. • Complete Care for Routine and High Risk Pregnancy • Annual Exams / Pap Test HPV Testing / Birth Control • Gynecology Services • Minimally Invasive and Robotic GYN Surgery Left to Right: Martha E. Laird, M.D., FACOG Kate Ring, CNM, NP Victoria R. Fewell, M.D., FACOG Robin Giles, RN, MSN, FNP-C Anna Nelson, M.D. Amy J. Schneider, M.D., FACOG Same Day and Next Day Appointments Available. 520-544-0906 7494 N. La Cholla Blvd, Tucson / ladeawomenshealth.com Most insurance plans, AHCCCS and Medicare are accepted. The Faces of Casa are the Weintraub Israel Center Boarding Pass Israel Experience Sandra Wortzel, Rabbinic Chaplain “ The hospice philosophy embodies all I hold sacred in my work as a rabbinic chaplain. The patients and families are held in the highest esteem and their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs are tended to with loving kindness and compassion. ” FEBRUARY 7TH –16TH, 2016 Join us for the trip of a lifetime: a fully guided, multifaith journey to Israel. The Weintraub Israel Center Boarding Pass Israel Experience will explore all the must-see sites while offering unique tracks for those who have already visited Israel and would like an opportunity to dig a little deeper. We will offer flexible options throughout the tour so you can experience Israel your way. • Open to all ages and faiths • Just $2,500 double occupancy plus air • Learn more at www.jfsa.org/get-involved/israel-experience 520.544.9890 | www.casahospice.com Hospice services are paid for by Medicare Info: Oshrat Barel: 520-647-8457; [email protected] or Denise Wolf: 520-299-3000; [email protected] 4 July 2015 | Center View Rosh Hashanah- Live Up Teshuvah TM W hen Rosh Hashanah begins on Sunday, September 13th, the “Days of Awe” are officially among us. These ten days which start at the beginning of the Jewish New Year and end with Yom Kippur, are a time of deep introspection in order to take stock of the moments from the year that need repentance. This act of “turning back to G-d” is called “teshuvah,” and in layman’s terms, it is a New Year’s resolution of sorts or a promise to try harder in the year ahead. The JCC movement has its own form of “teshuvah” called Live Up™, a campaign created by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) for JCC members and staff nationwide to consider their priorities and make commitments towards improvement, an act that hones in on the JCC mission of mind, body, soul and wellness. The JCCA posed the following question in January 2015: Learn Hebrew. Play basketball. Explore Israel. Lose a few pounds. Volunteer. Give back to the community. There are so many ways to Live Up ™ at the J. How will you? The response was overwhelming, and the Tucson J participated in this campaign with vigor and thoughtfulness. Our members and staff replied with all sorts of amazing answers: “Try something new, “ “Ride our bikes more,” Exercise more,” and even “By being an ambassador 24/7 for The J!” Simply put, the Tucson J fully invested themselves in Live Up™. As Rosh Hashanah approaches and our thoughts turn toward making teshuvah, let us to remember to do it The J way. Live Up™! Rosh Hashanah 2015 Events: Tucson J & Whole Foods present A Healthy Bubbe’s Rosh Hashanah Dinner at Whole Foods on River Rd. Thursday, September 10th at 6:30 pm Come welcome in the sweet New Year with the Tucson J & Whole Foods as we taste Rosh Hashanah holiday foods from Bubbe’s kitchen with a creative and healthy new twist. Open to ALL! Fee TBA. Yoga for Tension and Trauma Release September 13 - October 18 Sundays, 2-3:30 pm Intentionally start the New Year 5776 with a clear mind and body. Experience this gentle and cutting-edge practice to release deep layers of tension from the body. Classes involve gentle movement that is focused on mobility. July 2015 | Center View 5 Member SPOTLIGHT JANA BORTNIKER -How did you find The J? OR did The J find you? Our family was introduced to The J by my sister who used to run the aquatics program. -What has been the best part of being a member at The J? The best part of being a member of The JCC is the consistent positive environment, educational and enriching programs for the boys, and the ability to satisfy each member of my family’s desires all in one spot. -How do you use The J? Over the years The J has fulfilled our family needs with flying colors such as the Early Childhood Education program, Pre-K, summer camp, enrichment classes (basketball, soccer, cooking, music, swim lessons), Camp Malibu, and after school J-Care. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my extensive use of the five-star gym facilities and the wide array of classes offered. -What’s your favorite spot in The J? That’s a tough question. Depending on the time of the year it’s a toss-up between the gym and the pool. They both offer such great benefits I just can’t decide which I like better. -What do you do for a living? I work in the pharmaceutical industry for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. -If you had some advice for new members, what would it be? My advice to new members would be... DON’T WAIT, sign up NOW! I waited about 2 years before actually becoming a member. Hindsight is always 20/20. If I would have known then what I know now, I would have signed up two years earlier! It has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my family. -If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Australia. I’d love to dive The Great Barrier Reef, I hear it’s some of the best diving in the world! -Native Tucsonan or moved to the desert? Native Tucsonan, born and raised baby! A Life Dedicated to Art and a member of the Tucson J Family! Murray Keshner has taught painting and drawing here at The J since 1998, and will celebrate his 90th birthday on August 2! A native of Brooklyn, New York, Murray won a scholarship to the prestigious Art Students League at the young age of 16, where he studied painting for a Murray Keshner! Happy 90th Birthday! year. Mazel Tov to After the Art Students League he attended Pratt Institute in NYC where he majored in illustration until his education was interrupted by military service during WWII. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he returned to Pratt, graduated, and went to work as the Art Director for the publishing company, Funk & Wagnalls, for 40 years. After a visit to Arizona in 1997, Murray and his wife, a voice teacher, made the decision to move to Tucson. They each were instructors in the extension division of Pima College. In 1998 a neighbor, who happened to be the Activities Director at the Tucson J, invited him to teach here. His philosophy of teaching art is to be a “third eye” and to encourage the students to develop their individual visions and talents. Murray currently prefers to work in water colors. To view approximately 80 examples of his work go to www.FineArtAmerica.com. Murray’s family consists of his wife, his son a psychologist and musician and his daughter is a social worker who advocated for translators for Hispanic clients. He has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He recently saw his granddaughter perform on Broadway, where she has been the understudy for the lead in “Mamma Mia.“ July 2015 | Center View 6 Refer a Friend WALKIE TALKIE Written by Brandon Katz (BK) and his administrative advocate, Maggie Owen. C hances are if you’re a member of The J you have now seen the banner by Sports and Wellness featuring Taglit’s very own BK. Now that you have seen his face, we thought it might be a good idea to introduce him and his Taglit team members. BK has been attending The J’s special needs day program for a long time and wanted to share a little bit about what Taglit does for The J and the community. If you see Taglit members walking around The J in the morning we are probably helping with recycling. Every member of Taglit really loves to help keep the building clean so we gave each department their own recycling bins that we help empty. *Offer expires July 17. Member receives credit for 1 month free when friend joins The J. Friend must indicate name of referral. When BK asked his friends in Taglit what their favorite parts of our program were, the answers were all over the place but the most popular answers by far were all the ways we help our community. From cleaning the local karate studio, to making sensory objects for the kids at Outer Limits, we do it all. The volunteering experience that takes the cake is definitely the mural Taglit made for Tucson Village Farm. Taglit worked together as a team to make this amazing piece of art. The mural hung in our very own Fine Art Gallery for a month before taking its place at the Tucson Village Farm. The Tucson JCC is the perfect place for your next meeting, event, or party. We offer creative ideas to help you make your event memorable and affordable! Mention this ad and save 15% 7 July 2015 | Center View [email protected] 3800 E. River Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718 Tucsonjcc.org • 520.299.3000 HEALTHY & WELLNESS at The J Tucson J Employee Experiences GREAT RESULTS from the NEW FITNESS CLASSES As told in the words of Lori Maurer, Executive Assistant TRAIN for EL TOUR with TMC and the Tucson J “As best I can and at my own pace, the Full Body Interval Training (FIT) class twice a week has developed muscles that I haven’t felt since I was a girl – and it feels terrific!! Since a muscular body burns lots more calories, I’ve dropped 2 dress sizes over 10 months without any dieting and can now wear all my “skinny clothes.” I’ve even doubled the number of push-ups I can do in 30 seconds from a feeble seven to sixteen, all in good form! The early morning routine lets me get my butt kicked by Patty, grab some coffee, shower and dress, grab some more coffee and be ready for work feeling like Super Woman.” FIT is similar to a Boot Camp Class in that it primarily focuses on body weight exercises performed in an interval structure at a fairly high level of intensity. The great thing about this type of workout is that it doesn’t take a lot of time, and if performed correctly, can be very effective in results such as leaning out, gaining strength and improving cardio respiratory fitness. Visit the class schedule for FIT class days and times. Youth Fitness Center Orientation T he J has rolled out a new Youth Fitness Center Orientation Program which meets twice a month. Each Youth Orientation session will be a 30-minute overview focusing on the proper use/operation of our equipment, safety, and suggested etiquette prescribed for fitness centers in general. The sessions will take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month and be held in the Fitness Center with a limit of six young adults for each Orientation. Each teen who completes the class will receive a metal ‘dog tag’ indicating their completion and are encouraged to wear the tag when working out so both members and floor trainers can see that they are graduates of this training. We believe these youth will set great examples for the other young users in the fitness center and raise the quality of the experience overall. The Tucson J encourages youth to be physically active and adding the orientation to our programs for teens will encourage those who may be intimidated to give it a try. The program adds to the overall offerings for youth at the The J. e TUCSON J th & C M T H IT W E ID R tness Programs Raise $$ for Youth Fi Once again Tucson Medical Center and The J will collaborate on a program to promote health and wellness in our community. Last year, both organizations offered separate El Tour Training Classes. This year we decided to combine our efforts to increase participation and offer much more to local cyclists and raise money for Youth Fitness Programs at TMC and The Tucson J. The Tucson J and TMC will be offering both training programs and registration options for the El Tour de Tucson event. Choose one of the following programs and help us raise money for our youth! 12 Week Training Program starts August 25* 8 Week Training Program starts September 22* Indoor El Tour Event, November 15 El Tour Ride and Jersey Only El Tour Ride Only Supporting Beneficiary Register now by visiting tucsonj.cc/eltourtucson 60 DAY Body Fat CHALLENGE The Tucson J is conducting its first Body Fat Challenge this summer for 60 days. We are off to a great start with more than 100 (YES 100!) participants signed up. This first challenge runs from June through the end of July, so we will report back to you in the next Center View (Oct – Dec.) on the results! Why is this challenge about losing body fat and not about losing weight? Weight loss can be affected by the loss of water weight and muscle. Our goal with this challenge is for people to lose body fat as body fat has a direct correlation to the following health issues: Type 2 diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Heart Disease and Cancer. This is about challenging yourself to improve your health! Each participant will receive health tips in fitness and nutrition along with coupons for personal training and nutritional consulting services. The prizes for the contest are listed on tucsonjcc.org! July 2015 | Center View 8 USAT SPLASH & DASH SUNDAY, AUGUST 16! The Tucson JCC is proud to host the only USA Triathlon Splash & Dash Youth Aquathon in Arizona on Sunday, August 16th. Tucson is one of 45 cities across the United States designated to host the special event created by the USA Triathlon, whose aim is to introduce youth across the nation to the multisport lifestyle. What is a Splash and Dash? It is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines running and swimming. The USA Triathlon’s Youth Splash and Dash Aquathon Series will feature a swim/run combination, with a focus on participation and fun. Open to kids age 7 – 15, this event will be a timed event for the young competitors. The event at the Tucson J starts at 7 am on Sunday the 16th. Athletes in the age group 7 - 10 will cover a 100-yard swim and a 1-kilometer run, while athletes ages 11-15 will complete a 200-yard swim and a 2k run. To register, visit tucsonjcc.org. Registration is open to all. The cost is $30. Deadline to register is August 15, 2015. J oin us fo r ou r ESSENTIAL NEWS ® J oin us fo r our ANNUAL LABOR DAY PICNIC E E R F REE *MEMBERFAPPRECIATION CELEBRATION* ANNUAL LABOR DAY PICNIC *MEMBER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION* Monday, September 7, 11am – 3pm Monday, September 7, 11am – 3pm ash Park, Hot Dogs, Watermelon, Swimming, Bounce Splash Park, Hot Dogs, Watermelon, Swimming, Bounce House, Infl atable Slide, Games & Activities! House, Inflatable Slide, Games & Activities! Connect with us! 9 July 2015 | Center View Connect with us! InIvni v teit aa e Frie Frined nd LEAP Program Tucson J’s Susan Frank and Julie Zorn Selected to Participate in Continental Leadership Program T he Tucson J’s Susan Frank and Julie Zorn have been chosen to participate in LEAP (Leadership Enrichment and Advancement Program), a Jewish Community Center Association continental leadership program meant to enhance their leadership skills and allow them to advance professionally within their fields. They are two of only 22 selected nationally from nine JCCs participating in JCC Association’s Talent Management pilot program. Susan and Julie recently participated in the first LEAP Summit in March in Orlando, Florida, just prior to JCCs of North America Professional Conference. Jan Sparrow and Scott Asalone from A&S Global Management Consulting Firm, led the session on such topics as “The Leader as Learner,” “Defining Leadership,” and “Understanding Personal Leadership Styles.” Todd Rockoff, President and CEO of the Tucson J, states, “We are honored to be a part of the Talent Management pilot and thrilled to have both Susan and Julie taking part in LEAP. We can already see the positive results since their return from the first seminar, as they learn the rest of the team learns alongside of them and in the end the community benefits.” Participants were selected by JCC leadership and identified for their high potential in advancing in their JCC fields. They are a diverse group in both age and the positions they hold at the JCCs, and include those who work in sports and fitness, youth programming, arts and culture, Jewish life, communications and development, to name a few. The LEAP program is designed to assist those taking part in the year-long cohort through a series of webinars and educational opportunities as they further develop their leadership skills. Tucson J’s Director of Health and Wellness, Susan Frank, spoke about her experience at the summit, “The first LEAP Summit exceeded my expectations. It has already changed the way I work with my colleagues and staff. LEAP will change both how I work currently and will be key part of my development as a JCC Professional. I am truly honored and grateful to be part of the LEAP program and am excited for future professionals to have this truly profound life-changing opportunity.” Julie Zorn, The J’s Jewish Living & Learning Specialist, added, “Taking part in LEAP has been the single most valuable experience in my professional career. Throughout my life, I have always tried to improve my weaknesses to become the best “me” I can be, but LEAP has taught me that I’ve had it wrong all along. The program teaches that we are really at our best when we lead from our strengths, and this new mindset has set me forward towards obtaining my goals and achieving optimal success for the Tucson J and my personal life as well.” Join the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival at the OCTOBER 8-10, 2015 TEMPLE OF MUSIC & ART TucsonFestivalofFilms.com July 2015 | Center View 10 Upcoming events in the Tucson J Fine Art Gallery Beamish Ceramic Carvings Through July 28 Brian Beamish has been a Tucson-area ceramic artist for more than 30 years. Visit the gallery to view his collection and visit beamishceramiccarvings.com. Naked Food- Photographs by Mara Aspinall September 18 - October 20 Photographer Mara G. Aspinall has captured stunning images of Naked Food from around the world. You will see a very wide and unique assortment of fruits and vegetables in their lumpy, bumpy, prickly and slippery glory. From those too sour to taste, too smelly to hold, too hot to touch – enjoy the harvest in a whole new way. Artist’s reception TBD Jewish Touches of Whimsy in Paper Art and Calligraphy by Anne Lowe & Stitching Jewishly by the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Tucson Chapter July 31 - September 16 Members of the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework share their knowledge and techniques necessary to create handcrafted items for both Jewish ritual and cultural use. They celebrate an atmosphere of camaraderie, a respect for needlework traditions and a joy in being Jewish. The pomegranate, said to have 613 seeds symbolic of the 613 mitzvot, provides a colorful theme for many of the Guild’s designs. Artists’ reception will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2 – 4 pm Photos from Camp J 2015 BUILDING MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME! July 2015 | Center View 11 SAVE THE DATE TMC and Tucson JCC Present the: F Wellness FESTI AL Sunday, October 18, 2015 Noon – 4pm Shaw JCC Akron Sponsors and Exhibitors are Invited to Invest in Healthy Families! Your sponsorship or exhibitor booth will support this FREE community-wide event. Cultivate Family Wellness while receiving significant program and product exposure. Mission The mission of the Family Wellness Festival is to help educate our community on the importance of wellness and healthy lifestyle choices. For more information on Sponsorship contact: Todd Rockoff at 520-299-3000 x101 or [email protected] For Exhibitor information contact: Danielle Aguilar at 520-299-3000 x121 or [email protected] 12 July 2015 | Center View Welcome & Shalom! The Tucson J is pleased to welcome the following new members! Terry Acevedo, Norman Adams, Darsi Aldrich, Mallory Aldrich, Shana Amster, Mary Anderson, Peter Anderson, Rhonda Anderson, Todd Anderson, Brooke Arispe, Ernest Arispe, Randy Aronson, Christina Arredondo, Michael Ash, Onnie Ash, Leslie Ashcraft, Fernando Ayala, Veronica Ayala, Michael Bagesse, Lea Baim, Aditi Bammi, Fanny Bangoura, Sharon Bart, Laura Bauer, Jennifer Bedier, Susan Beesemyer, Rochelle Begoun, Cathy Belue, Skip Bengtson, Susan Bengtson, Tamar Bergantino, Jennifer Bergdoll, Anna Berkman, Jean-Paul Bierny, Michael Black, Christopher Blue, Jeremy Bogard, Ashley Boggiano, Julian Boggiano, Gillian Bowden, Brian Bowers, Margeau Bowers, Ann Brady, Edward Brady, Deborah Brandon, Kevin Breen, Dena Burnside, Eric Button, Elisabeth Calmes, Lonnie Calmes, Trevor Cameron, Shay Cameron Mar, Anthony Cappa, Helda Janet Carey, Chas Carter, Iliana Carter, Kyoungchul Cha, Elizabeth Chan, Stephen Chan, Rudy Chavez, Suzette Chavez, Joshua Chessmore, Joshua Chiles, Amy Chuang, Julia Coach, Kent Coach, Arnold Cohn, Carolyn Cohn, Deborah Colodner, Marco Contreras, Andi Cooley, Jaime Cordova, Lorena Cordova, Beth Crossett, Danielle Curley, Michael Curley, Marcy Daggett, Calvin Damper, Lindsay Dashefsky, Amie De Chazal, Ives De Chazal, Robert Denison, Russell Dennis, Burt Derman, Josh Dessen, Kimberly Dessen, Eric Dorf, Rachel Dorf, Taylor Douglas, Fei Du, Jason Dupont, Sandra DuPont, Daniel Einfrank, Gary Ellerd, Sharmaine Ellerd, Leslie Ervin, Montra Ervin, Claudia Escobar, Edward Espino, Brandon Falk, Alyssa Faller, Cody Faller, Jeffrey Ferber, Sylvia Ferber, Daniel Ference, Adam Finkelstein, Brian Flahive, Mary Flahive, Shannon Flemming, Tobias Freebourn, Dennis Frieder, Leslie Frieder, Quindaro Frieder, Ryan Frieder, Myrna Frisch, David Frischenmeyer, Katie Frischenmeyer, Barry Fruchtman, Blanca GarciaOlave, Robert Glanz, Phillip Glotsen, Arthur Gmitro, Wendy Gmitro, Kyle Gomes, Melissa Gomes, Geetha Gopalakrishnan, Jan Calvert Green, Wendy Green, Gail Gregory, Jeremiah Griego, Katherine Griego, Mary Grogan, Jaclyn Guttman, Siobhan Halderson, Jessica Hamdan, Emily Harrison, Rashida Hays, Jim Head, Michelle Helvik, Courtney Henson, Marty Herde, Katherine Herk, Jim Hermanson, Abigail Hernandez, Alvaro Hernandez, Amy Hernandez, Michael Hickman, Carla Hinton, Richard Hinton, Gary Hirsch, Kandy Hirsch, Hilary Hiser, Kristen Hof, Travis Hof, Barry Hoffman, Ebony Holmes, Katie Holmes, Beth Horowitz, Carol Hubbard, George Hubbard, J. Steven Hunter, Patricia Hunter, Shin Hyewon, Lehrer Inna, Debra Jacobs, James Jacobs, Laurel Jacobs, Susan Jacobson, Madeline Jarboe, Renee Kamper, John Kastner, Adrienne Katz, Sali Katz, Susan Katz, Dee Kaufman, Nancy Kay, Lisa Kebo, Mark Kebo, Megan Killebrew, Isabel Kim-Cameron, Jennifer King, Marcia Klotz, Kenneth Knittel, Susan Knittel, Rhonda Knotts, Amy Koepke, Melissa Koon, Sivan Korn, Shanna Kovach, Laurel Labistre, Molly Lapides-Head, Susanna Laundy, Orsolya Lazar, Anh Le, JinWoo Lee, Alan Leffler, Ela-Joy Lehrman, Dena Leibowitz, John Leipsic, Tina LeMarque, Karen Lesser, Norman Levine, Marc Leviton, Valerie Leviton, Dalia Leyvas, Marco Leyvas, Deb Liggett, Leila Lindeman, William Lindeman, Kyle Lininger, Chris Lupo, Katie Lupo, Yuri Makino, Carolyn Maloney, Justin Maloney, Jovi Maness, Gregory Manninen, Christine Mansfield, Mitchell Mansfield, Dan Manwaning, Rachel Margalit, Florence Marks, Carmine Marotta, Shelly Martin, Bita Martycz, Joel Martycz, Brent Matthew, Jannine McDonald, Scott McDonald, Courtney McEniry, Cindy McHenry, Brian McIver, Laura McIver, Daniel McPeak, Elizabeth McPeak, Leeron Medovoi, Adi Mehrabani, Stephanie Mehrabani, Mark Meyer, Noah Mickey-Colman, Ariel Miklofsky, Michael Miklofsky, Christopher Miller, Cindy Mishler, John Mitchell, Cameron Moore, Ericka Moore, Jennifer Murphy, Roseann Nembhard, Greg Nickens, Kira Nickens, Rosemary Niemann, Wendell Niemann, Emily Nitido, Mike Nitido, Toetie Geertrui Oberman, Brian O’Brien, Jean O’Brien, Nina Ogesen, Anthony Olivera, Robert Olson, Barak Orbach, Elizabeth Orr, Jeffrey Orr, David Orringer, Roger Ottman, Lindsay Parsons, Casey Partiz, Rocky Partiz, Barbara Patterson, John Payne, Stacia Payne, Julie Pendolino, Isanah Perez, Juan Perez, Jesse Peron, Do Phan, Jenny Phillips, Craig Pozner, Yanny Pozner, Michael Press, Sheryl Press, Cindy Qu, Steve Randall, Edie Rappaport, Ashley Reeser, Ryan Reeser, Matthew Rein, Wendy Reynolds, Morris Riback, Paula Riback, Jessica Riesgo, Marc Riesgo, Eric Robbins, Michele Robbins, Ken Romo, Traci Romo, Erik Rosseland, Edythe Ryan, Thaddeus Ryan, Amanda Saffer, Jeffrey Saffer, Angela Phan Salmon, Bee Schlotec, Alexia Schou, Candyce Scott, Anne Segal, Marc Segal, Robert Segal, Stephen Segal, Rebecca Sharfman, Robin Sharfman, Kris Sharpe, Hanedi Shawsky, Stephanie Shipway, Bryan Shoemaker, Jennifer Shoemaker, Scott Shtofman, Jerome Shulman, Micki Shulman, Gila Silverman, Young-Jun Son, Kyuonga Song, Joshua Spinler, Kalyca Spinler, JoAn Stafford, Kevin Stafford, Jessica Stahl, Joan Stanford, Jack Steindler, Kathy Stern, Joanna Stiner, Julia Strand, Sean Stuchen, Lisa Swift, Robert Swift, Patricia Szabo, Chris Tanz, Francisco Taylor, Ryan Teeple, Suzanne Teeple, Anthony Thomas, Geren Thurston, Scott Tobin, Louis Triplett, Corinne Tso, Benjamin Turk, Unni Udayasankar, Christine Vaaler, Kassandra Valdez, Carrie Valenzuela, Thomas Valenzuela, Penelope VanAmburg, Beth Vander Meulen, Mariana VazquezMaloney, Steven Waldstein, Jennifer Weisman, Scott Weisman, Amy Welander, Brett Welander, Connie West, Grant Wheeler, Wendy Wiener, Lisa Wigginton, Jocelynn Williams, Kenneth Williams, Sangsuk Yoon, Kristi Young, Betsy Zeh, Ori Zimmels. FEBRUARY BILLY EPSTEIN, SPORTS & WELLNESS CHRISTINA PUGH, MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS Sponsor J-STAR AWARD for STAFF EXCELLENCE MARCH CHASE COHEN, MARKETING LLOYD LEWIS, SPORTS & WELLNESS AMANDA STAFFORD, CHILDREN & YOUTH APRIL AMY MILLER, ECE MAY GODFREY GAPIDO, ECE 13 July 2015 | Center View Tributes Wendy Blank In loving memory of Inez Sloane. The JCC Bereavement Group Donald Diamond Wishing you a most happy birthday! The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Pat Heller In memory of Joe Heller. Debbie and Irving Rosenberg Dr. Bryce Palchick In memory of Yale Palchick. Debbie and Irving Rosenberg Jill and Herk Rosenzweig In your honor. Mary Ellen Loebl Linda Tumarkin Wishing you the happiest of milestone birthdays! The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Larry Haas Happy Birthday! Golf B-4 I leave! Been a busy year for us both. Bruce Schadow To honor the memory of Dr. Yale Palchick. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Irene Sarver Wishing you a very happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Elaine Nathanson In memory of Hilda Nathanson. Larry Sobel Gerry Tumarkin We’re looking forward to your recovery. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Susan Moss In honor of you. Loretta Sowers Jill Rosenzweig In honor of you. Loretta Sowers Fran Katz May your full recovery be a speedy one. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Andy and Stuart Shatken Our deep condolences. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Kyra and Barney Holtzman Tana Jones Brenda and Bill Viner Anna and Myron Rottenstein Sherry and Dick Belkin Marcelle and Len Joffe Holly and Steve Shenitzer Jill Rosenzweig Happy 75th Birthday! The Board and Staff of the Tucson J In memory of Hilda Nathanson Larry Sobel Dr. and Mrs. Steve Dickstein In honor of Dr. Stephen and Ruth Dickstein. Janie and Merlin Cohen Davis Greenberg Wishing you a wonderful 75th birthday! The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Tom Warne Mazel tov for receiving JFSA’s 2015 MENtor award. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Brenda and Bill Viner Holly and Steve Shenitzer 14 January 2015 | Center View Fran Katz Congratulations on your new position with the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff Robert Wolk and Mary Cochran-Wolk Alyssia Silva Mazel tov on being honored with a Ben & Sally Smith Memorial College Youth award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Steve Kippur Mazel tov for receiving the JFSA award of Man of the Year. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Rabbi Thomas Louchheim Mazel tov on being honored with a Special Recognition award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Audrey Brooks Mazel tov on being named a Woman of the Year by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Dana Goldstein Mazel tov on being honored by the JFSA with the Gary I. Sarver award “Young Woman of the Year.” Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Andrew Isaac Mazel tov on being honored by the JFSA with the Gary I. Sarver award “Young Man of the Year.” Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Jamie Nora Oko Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Ray Davies Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Beth Alpert Nakhai Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Donna Moser Mazel tov on being named a Woman of the Year by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Amy Beyer Mazel tov on being honored with a Meritorious Service award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Rabbi Richard Safran Mazel tov on being honored with a Meritorious Service award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Matthew Landau Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Barry Friedman Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA.. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Jeff Wortzel Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J James Wezelman Mazel tov on being honored with a Meritorious Service award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Bryan Davis Mazel tov on being honored with a Ben & Betty Brook Community Professional of the Year award by the JFSA. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Ariella Mollen Congratulations on being so highly honored by the JFSA. The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Sarah Singer Mazel tov on being honored as the 2015 Leader of the Year by the Tucson J. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Brenda and Bill Viner Robert and Mary Cochran Wolk Merlin Cohen Mazel tov on being honored as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year by the Tucson J. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Joyce and Mel Jaffe Brenda and Bill Viner Dana and Ira Adler Christina Quinn Mazel tov on being honored with a 2015 ECE Professional Excellence award by the Tucson J. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Irina Altshteyn Mazel tov on being honored with a 2015 ECE Professional Excellence award by the Tucson J. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Kristin Taft Mazel tov on being honored with a 2015 Beth Stern Professional Excellence award by the Tucson J. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Tidi Ozeri In honor of you taking your oath of American citizenship. Mazel tov. The Sculpture Garden Committee of the Tucson J. Gary Swimmer In memory of Klara Swimmer. Lynn Davis Richard Charkow Happy Birthday Gramps! The Harris and Charkow families Mel Zuckerman Wish you the happiest of birthdays! The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Dale Green We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Sara and Jorge The Gibly Family In memory of Itzak. Grandma Barbara and the Finkelsten Family Barbara Kaye Marx and Peter Marx In memory of Dr. Harold Kaye. Nancy Present-Van Broekhoven and Paul Van Broekhoven Dennis Kraesig Sincere condolences on your loss. Sara Hoag Randy Emerson and Family Our deep condolences on the passing of your mother. Marcia and Ken Light Jenni and Todd Rockoff The Board and Staff of the Tucson J Brenda and Bill Viner Terri and David Polar Andy and Stuart Shatken Phillip and Vicki Pepper Holly and Steve Shenitzer Alfred, Laurie and Anna Lee and Earl Surwit The Rulney – Silverman Family In memory of Murray Rulney. Joan Kleinerman Ellen Abrams and Amy Persechini In memory of Linda Abrams. Julie Perlman Bethany Ann Blunk, Brian Anderson Bowers, Friends and Family Kindness and compassion goes out to you. Anonymous Gary Emerson and Laury Goll In memory of Gary’s mother. Brenda and Bill Viner Lee and Earl Surwit In memory of Rachel and Jerry DeBenedette. Sue DeBenedette & Robert J. Johnsen Alexis Van Pool Congratulations on earning your Master of Library Science! Tucson Association of Jewish Libraries Ruth and Steve Dickstein Mazel tov. Joyce and Mel Jaffe Carol Livingston We are very sorry for your loss. In memory of Sanford Livingston. Phyllis and Bernie Harris Ronnie Miller In memory of Walter Berger, father and all around good man. Ken Miller Maya Luria Sending love to you and your family. Kelsey was an amazing young woman whose life impacted others greatly. May her memory bring you comfort always. Rachel, Jonathan, Ryan, Aaron, and Gabe Green Richard Skrill Sending love to you and your family. Judith was an amazing woman whose life impacted others greatly. May her memory bring you comfort always. Rachel, Jonathan, Ryan, Aaron, and Gabe Green BETH STERN MEMORIAL TRIBUTE Kristin Taft Congratulation on being so honored by the Tucson J. Brenda and Bill Viner Carol and Al Stern. In honor of Carol and Al Stern. How I enjoyed visiting with you at the Annual Meeting. Lori Maurer ERIN SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL TRIBUTE Susan Dellheim and Dave Huntoon Mazel Tov! We are so excited for you both! Lots of joy! Susan and Billy Schoenberg Sara and Tyler Traband and Family Sincere condolences on the loss of Tyler’s dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan and Billy Schoenberg